Walk-In Model of Munich’s New XXL S-Bahn Train to Premiere at IAA

During this year’s IAA Mobility exhibition in Munich, a full-scale walk-in model of the city’s future S-Bahn train will be presented to the public.

From 9 to 14 September, visitors to Königsplatz can explore the new trains, which are scheduled to enter service from late 2028.

The Free State of Bavaria, Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Siemens have jointly developed the new generation of vehicles and are showing a 22-metre-long 1:1 model that highlights their design, layout and passenger information systems.

Evelyn Palla, DB’s Board Member for Regional Transport, said:

This is what the future of public transport looks like: At over 200 meters in length, the new S-Bahn trains offer more space and greater comfort. They are designed so that passengers can board more quickly, thus making operations more reliable. Together with the transport authority and the manufacturer, we are setting the standard for a completely new travel experience. This project demonstrates that the mobility of the future can only be shaped together – and this fits perfectly with the IAA, in which we as DB are participating under precisely this motto. Because everyday mobility is more than just driving a car.

Externally, the trains carry the S-Bahn logo alongside a white and blue colour scheme, reflecting the Bavarian identity. The interior combines natural tones with yellow highlights and includes lighting that adapts to the time of day. Seating has been designed with a wider pitch, and passengers will have access to Wi-Fi, USB-C charging points, windows that allow mobile signal transmission, and air conditioning rated for outdoor temperatures up to 45°C.

Accessibility has also been a key focus. Wide, step-free gangways, clearly marked areas for wheelchairs, prams and bicycles, and multi-purpose spaces with folding seats are intended to improve passenger flow. Eye-level displays in wheelchair areas will show real-time information on lifts and platform heights. Additional features include Bluetooth compatibility for hearing aids, tactile pictograms, Braille labelling and acoustic signals.

Digital information will be provided through 168 displays distributed across the trains, covering network maps, journey schedules, and details of exits and lifts at the next station. Exterior LED strips, coloured according to the operating line, will support identification on platforms.

Christian Bernreiter, Bavaria's Minister of Transport said:

The S-Bahn mock-up is a real taster for the new era in local transport around the Bavarian capital. Together with DB and Siemens, something extremely functional and exemplary is emerging. I'm particularly pleased that passengers have already contributed to the development and are now seeing their ideas turned into reality. The IAA Mobility is the perfect platform to bring this upcoming innovation to life for passengers, rail enthusiasts, and design lovers for the first time.

Siemens is equipping the trains with the European Train Control System (ETCS), Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Train Integrity Monitoring System (TIMS). These systems are designed to integrate with DB’s planned digitisation of the Munich network, including trackside ETCS equipment from 2030.

Maintenance and reliability are being addressed through redundant components and the Railigent X digital platform, which enables remote software updates and condition-based servicing. This is expected to reduce maintenance time and support high train availability.

Dr. Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG said:

The new S-Bahn will set the pace for Munich's future: highly reliable in operation, intuitive for staff, and comfortable for all passengers. From virtual development to automated operation, it brings digital intelligence to the rails. This is achieved in cooperation with DB, the Free State of Bavaria, and the City of Munich – and through the expertise of our locations in Allach, Erlangen, and Krefeld, which are among the most modern train depots and development centers in Europe. In this way, we are not only making an important contribution to the transport transition, but are also fulfilling our promise of the 'Made for Germany' initiative to promote growth and competitiveness in Germany.

The mock-up is on display at the IAA Mobility Open Space on Königsplatz, adjacent to DB’s “Future Local Transport” initiative. It can be visited free of charge between 11 am. and 9 pm.